The job can be stressful and emotionally taxing, as bounty hunters deal with criminals and sometimes tragic situations. It requires a strong mental and emotional constitution.
Candidates should verify licensing requirements in their area. Gain experience and network within the community. Bail bonds agents and bounty hunters have very close business relationships. Most work for bounty hunters comes from bail bond companies tracking down fugitives who have missed court after posting bail.
Fugitive recovery agents are professionals who find and retrieve fugitives who didn't make an appearance in court. Bail bonds companies employ these agents to help enforce the conditions of the bail bonds contract. The bail bond system allows some defendants to avoid spending time in jail pending their trial.
Bail Enforcement Agent Certification (BEA) Designed for those persons seeking licensing in the State of Connecticut to apprehend persons who have eluded the Judicial process by “skipping”.
Bail bond agents can carry firearms (like regular citizens) and make arrests in California. However, they do not have the same power as police officers to investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, or cordon off specific areas.
Background Check and Disqualifications A clean background is crucial. You cannot have any felony convictions. If you have a felony on your record, you are automatically disqualified from becoming a bail bonds agent.
California regulates who can become a bail bond agent. The law requires individuals to meet various requirements to ensure safety and protect the public. Bail bond agents must be 18 years or older. Candidates must pass a background check and complete at least 20 hours of pre-licensing training.
Like officers, bounty hunters should keep their license with them at all times while pursuing a fugitive. However, they are not allowed to pose as officers or even wear badges that may make them look like officers. Except in rare cases, a bounty hunter cannot forcibly enter your place of residence.
Bail enforcement agents have the authority to arrest fugitives who have skipped bail but their jurisdiction is limited. They must operate within the legal framework of the state where the bail was granted and where they are attempting to apprehend the fugitive.